PATIENTS at Good Hope Hospital have expressed hopes for its future after the Evening Mail revealed how it could be run by bosses from another Birmingham hospital.

Health chiefs at the cash-strapped hospital in Sutton Coldfield have sent out a desperate plea for support to managers at Heartlands Hospital, in Bordesley Green, east Birmingham, as revealed exclusively in yesterday's Evening Mail.

"It has served this community for years. It's my local hospital and I am surprised they've asked Heartlands Hospital for help.

"The care I've received has always been excellent, and I hope there aren't too many changes."

Retired engineer John Stephens, aged 74, of Rectory Road, Sutton, has lived in the area for 28 years.

He said: "I have always gone to Good Hope and I have never had any problems with it. It would be sad if Heartlands takes it over."

Retired teacher Jacqueline Stephens, aged 74, of Rectory Road, Sutton Coldfield, said: "If it makes the hospital bigger and more impersonal then it will not be a good thing. If the quality of the management is bad then it won't be good for anyone."

But retired builder Henry Jones, aged 74, of Tedbury Crescent, Erdington said: "Heartlands seems to have its own problems, but if they can improve things here then that would be good."

Waitress Sandra Bull, aged 58, of Haunchwood Drive, Walmley said: "I hope that not much changes, as the care here is very good. It is surprising that they have asked for help from another hospital."

Retired auxiliary worker Violet Saunders, aged 72, of Neville Road, Castle Vale said: "The care I've received here has always been very good and I do not want that to change.

"It is my local hospital and as long as that does not change, then I'm sure it will be fine."

Heartlands chiefs could now help to financially rescue Good Hope, which is #11.6 million in debt, and are drawing up new proposals with the aim of achieving foundation status within two years.